32 Favorites

Today I turn 33.  I decided that I would eat whatever I want and not exercise.  That lasted until about 8:30 this morning when I couldn't help but squeeze a workout in and the most junk food type thing I've eat all day was a chocolate chip pancake for lunch that I treated myself to.  I've got this accountability thing going with a friend and apparently it's created some good habits.

Anyway, a friend of mine blogs about the most darling and creative things and I've stolen an idea from her.  In order to remember 32 more fondly, I'm going to share 32 favorite memories.  These are of course, in no particular order.

Being with Taylor and Nikki in the Temple for the first time.

Watching their sweet little Olive be sealed to them for eternity.

Spending a week with my family in Colorado.

Having my little brother live with us over the summer.

Spending a weekend with a friend in Idaho.

Learning that a brother and a sister would be moving close to me.

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine and weight.

Celebrating Colton's first birthday.  (First birthday's are mostly for the mom, I feel)

Sending all three of my girls off to go hunting with their dad.

Getting a new summer wardrobe.

Seeing that I have been able to make friends with some difficult people.  (I visit teach two ladies (Megan and Lacey) who don't let a lot of people into their circle.  Somehow I've been able to breakdown a few walls they've put up and we've formed some great friendships.)

Having friends come to me with serious life problems and asking for my advice.

Seeing family I haven't see in ages at Grandma Richardson's funeral.

NOT doing summer classes.

Watching my big girls grow and appreciating the friendship that is developing between us.

Catching up with Monica and Gina after many years.

Watching my kids' excitement when they saw the trampoline Santa had brought them.

Finishing the Book of Mormon and learning a whole lot thanks to BofM365 on Instagram.

Hiking Casa Malpais with my kids.

Realizing that I have limits on my time and have to really think about what projects I take on.

Going to El Paso with my kids, Allie and Cooper to see Ben and his family.

Getting involved with Addie's school.

My sisters surprising me for my 32nd birthday.

The laughter I shared with friends and family.

Finally becoming friends with a neighbor I have tried to get to know for years.  We've become really good friends!

Attending a makeup class.

Stepping up our families morning prayer and scripture routine.

Realizing how great my marriage is.

Picking up blogging again (though I am sure I will never be as good as I once was).

Learning to better accept compliments (that's always been hard for me!).

Taking my kids to a Christmas play at another church to support our neighbors.  I told them to pay attention to how they felt and we had a great discussion afterward about the difference between our church and theirs.

Realizing that life really does get sweeter with time.

You kids are stinking lucky!

My kids are spoiled.  They have no idea how good their lives are.  If they are hungry, they simply have to open the refrigerator and a whole world of deliciousness opens up to them (okay, that isn't really true).  If their pants get too short, their mom quickly takes them to the store to get a few better fitting pairs.  Dinner magically appears on the dinner each evening and somehow magically cleans itself up every night.  Someone uses a sweet and understanding voice to wake them up each morning before school.  They get a warm bath and their mom washes their hair for them (yes!  Even Addie, who is just a few weeks shy of turning 10!).  They never ever go without the things they need.  They may go without the things they want, but never ever without the things they need.

(I must interject that although the following situations do happen, there are plenty of times when my kids obey and do help when asked.)

So why would they cry and throw tantrums when they are asked to do a simple job?  I kid you not, all I have to do is say "will you pick up the living room?" and their knees buckle and they go into some type of strange seizure looking fit.  Honestly, it's as embarrassing as it is ridiculous looking.  

They don't always throw fits.  Other times they just say no.  Flat out no.  Take last Saturday for example.  It had been a long day.  Jared was due to be home from work, I was hurrying to get dinner done (a meal that Addie requested) when I told the girls that I needed some help.  I nicely asked them to clean up the front room when they all said no and turned the TV on.  Seriously?  I was appalled.  I decided that Jared could deal with that one when he got home.  And sure enough, he did.

The very next day, I told the girls that I needed them to help me clean up the front room so the home teachers could come over.  Addie and Kimber both found better things to do.  I kept my mouth quiet and cleaned up without their help.  Little did they know that I had a plan!  The kitchen was really dirty and there was an unusual amount of dirty dishes waiting to be washed.  I finished up the living room and kindly told them that they had missed out on the easy job; they were now on kitchen duty!  I left them to fuss while I stewed about my spoiled kids.  They really have no idea who lucky they are.  I decided that I would tackle the topic in Family Home Evening the following night.

We watched this video first-

And we fell in love with Luis Miguel.  We talked about what life as like for him and his family.  We talked about their kitchen, how much his sister would love to by clothes for her family, the condition of their water, the dirt floor they slept on, etc.  After a minute, Addie said, "I know where you are going with this!"  Dang right that's where we were going with it!

(If you think I'm joking when I say a picture of Luis Miguel will soon be hanging in the kids' bedroom as a reminder, just come see for yourself.)

Then we watched this video, which tells stories of families living in their cars.  (I have some personal issues with the story, like a homeless family who can barely afford to feed their kids but can afford a dog.  A giant one at that.) But, the attitide of the kids is what strikes me.  They aren't weeping because they have to get ready for school in a gas station bathroom.  And they aren't pouting because they eat cold food out of cans.  They see their life "as an adventure."  

I really want my kids to know how lucky they are to live in America.  To live in Taylor.  To live in this house, however little it may be.  And they are so lucky that even on their worst day, it does not compare to what others experience every day of their lives.  They were born into a situation that provides them opportunities that others will never have.  Free schooling!  Clean water!  Electricity!  Warm beds!  The Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Dang it, they are so lucky!  But, so am I.  Because I have just as many opportunities as they do.

At the end of our FHE lesson, I told them that if they started sliding back into their old habits, that we would sit down and watch the video of Luis Miguel again.  Apparently once was enough because things at our house improved.  

A Disciple of Christ

In my Patriarchal Blessing it tells me that if I will faithfully take my family to church, then no thought of apostasy will enter our minds.  That has always stood out to me and actually kind of bothered me.  I always thought "I'll never apostatize!  And of course I will always take my family to church!"  

But times are changing and people I once admired for their devotion to the church are turning their backs on it.  People are causing a ruckus about everything concerning the church these days; the women and the priesthood, polygamy, gays not being sealed in the temple, temple ordinances, etc.  The internet is flooded with good people using it as a platform to share their beliefs, but it is equally flooded with people attempting to tear down the church and desecrate it's sacred nature.  It's happening in our little community as well.  Good people over analyzing simple gospel principles thus falling further and further away from what once made them who they are.  

Because of the rapid rate at which the church is being scrutinized, it's made me reflect heavily on the words in my patriarchal blessing.  It's made me realize that I must be firm in my testimony and my convictions.  I must live what I know to be true all the way!  The church is everything to me.  It's why I married the man I did, it's how I can do what I do as a mother,  it's why I don't question where I came from or what happens when I die, it's what motivates me to help others, it's the reason I have joy, it's why I try, it's why I love.

I hope I live my life in a way that shows others I am trying my hardest to be a disciple of Christ.  I want to follow his teachings in everything I do, I want to be everything he wants me to be and I want my words and actions to show him that I am trying.  President James E. Faust said, "One of the greatest blessings of life and eternity is to be counted as one of the devoted disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."  And that is what I am striving for, to be a devoted disciple.

I've decided that if I can get my family to church during the hardest years when they are young and I do it alone, then I will never quit going when things get easy.  So no need to worry about me turning my back on the church!  I promise to be the stalwart one when everyone else is faltering.  I promise to be the one whose testimony you can hold on to when your's is weak.  I promise to be the one who holds to the rod when the great and spacious building is bigger and louder than ever.  I will not budge.

To be the Bishop's family

It is the most incredible blessing to have your husband serve as Bishop.  Words cannot express the gratitude that I feel for the experience and the blessings we receive from it.  

It's also really fun to have your kids be the "kids of the ward."  I love that Brother Garth Greer always calls Colton, Mac.  Everyone in the ward watches them grow and pays attention to their needs.  People are so kind to offer help during church as well as all week long.  

A few stories on that matter.

Jared has been sitting on the stand since Kimber was four months old so I've always been a solo circus act during church.  And people have always always always been helpful.  But, once he was made Bishop, the Prestwich's made it their personal mission to sit behind us in church to lend a helping hand.  They would hurry to church to get the pew behind me.  Steve would hand his watch or keys up to keep Lucy occupied and Sue would hold Colton when he was tiny.  When a new couple in our ward moved in and wasn't familiar with the ward's unspoken seating assignments, Steve nicely hinted for them to find a new spot.  Which they did.

On the day Jared was called, many ward members offered their assistance if I ever needed it but one offer stands out.  Brother Lee Timiney cornered me and said, "if you ever need anything let me know.  I will mow your grass if you need it.   I'm serious."  The 'I'm serious' struck me.  He wasn't just being nice.  He would be happy to help!

My favorite story of service is about Brother Harrold Meservey.  How I love that man!  Summertime was killer for our family.  Colton was little, Jared was slammed with work and we were running around like chicken's with our heads cut off.  A lot of things were falling by the wayside but not all of then were noticeable.  Except for our lawn.  It was really long and quite embarrassing.  I couldn't find the time to get it done and Jared, quite frankly, didn't have the time.  Brother Meservy, however did have the time.  He stopped me in the hallway of church one day and offered to come cut it.  I told him we would get it it done soon, but thanks anyway.  Well, a few more days passed and we still hadn't got around to it.  One afternoon the phone rang and it was Harold.  He is from Maine and still has an accent.  (He talks super fast so read the following quote as fast as you can.)  "Hey Sister Hatch, Harold Meservy here.  I see your grass is pretty long.  I can come mow your grass.  Will you let me come mow?  I'd be happy to."  Honestly, I was way too embarrassed to let him use our old run down lawn mower, so I told him I would be doing very soon.  I think i finally got around to it two or three days later.  

It's also fun to see people connect Jared with the poor single mom who drags her kids to church all alone.  Of course, most people know me, but today I got a good laugh from a lady whom I've never personally met.  Last week Delores Flemming and her husband Arnold stole the Prestwhich's seat.  Gasp!  :)  I chatted and chatted with her until the meeting started.  I heard all about her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, where she came from, etc.  That evening Jared went over to her house to help plan her funeral.  She is a little older and wants to be prepared.  Today she again sat behind me.  She said, "your kids look a lot like you.  Do they favor you?  I've never seen your husband so I don't know if they look like him."  I replied. "actually, my husband is the bishop."  I've never seen a light bulb go off in someone's head like that!  She quickly stuck our her hand to to formally introduce herself to me.  I got a good laugh out of it.  

It's also helped us create really great friendships with people.  Jared has become very close with his counselors.  They are so good to him and have shown that they are true friends.  Joey is Jared's right hand man.  Bryce's job limits him during the day, but Joey is always right there when Jared needs him.  He is self employed and a little more flexible.

Bryce Palmer (1st Counselor), Jared, Joey Neff (2nd Counselor)

I truly love their wives as well.  Bryce's wife, Anne, has three little girls that she has all to herself during church.  She is a trooper!  I know the way she feels all too well.  And Joey's wife, Riann, is one of my greatest friends.  I've always admired her but now that I see a little more clearly what great people they are, I love them even more.  

As I said before, this experience will forever change our lives.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to be thankful for my problems (because others struggle much more than I do), my testimony to grow and my kids to see that service is a blessing, not a burden.  I pray constantly that I will be able to offer the support that Jared needs.  I want him to know that I have things under control at home and that we are staying on track while he is away.  

This season of our lives does not come without it's challenges.  I just choose not to dwell on them.  I find comfort in this quote from L.  Tom Perry, "You are carefully evaluated before your husband is approached to be called as a bishop, to determine the type of support you will give to him. We assure you that his role as bishop is secondary to his eternal callings as husband and father. In order for him to be successful, you must sustain him completely. We know this puts added burdens on you. You run a telephone answering service and a mailroom, act as a receptionist, and have to fill in at home when he is called out on emergencies. Often, just by being there, you are exposed to confidential information, which you must keep within yourself and never discuss with anyone. Nothing would destroy the credibility of a bishop more than having his companion reveal confidential information she happened to overhear or see pertaining to ward business.

You have the obligation, along with your husband, of being a role model for the young people and the young married couples of the ward. Yours should be an ideal marriage—one they are striving to emulate by following your example. Your contribution is deeply appreciated and understood. Nothing can relieve the anxiety and load of being a bishop quite like the aid of a supportive companion."

Colton Boy

How does this...

turn into this?

Adding a boy to our family has been the best thing for us.  

Did I ever mention how we decided on the name Colton?

Tough won.  And he is making us pay for it!

 (I immediately cleaned my door after taking this picture and realizing how dirty it was!)

 It's not hard to see that he follows in his dad's footsteps.

 He also has really great fit throwing skills.

 He is into everything.

 He's a total ham.

 He loves being outside no matter how cold it is.

 He is always dirty.

He is constantly climbing onto things.

 And he loves noise.  The buzzer on the nose of the Operation game is one of is favorites.

But most of all, he has won the heart of his parents and sisters.  We love our little man!

A few firsts and some rarities

It's not a first, but it's a rarity.

 First time doing camels with Aunt Jeanie.

 Definitely not a first or a rarity.  It's just the first time I've captured it. 

 First time we made a gratitude board as a family.

 First time to have a bottle and a blanket baby.

This girl needed some attention, which is not rare.  The rare thing is, we got away alone!

 Ooops.  I captured it again.

 First time getting student of the month this year.  With her BFF, none the less!

 Together with the cousins, a rarity.

 First time showing the girls where I grew up.

 First time taking part in the town's 12 Days of Christmas.

 First time Lucy has taken permanent marker to our pictures.

 First time supporting our good friends at their church play.  

It's rare that he is sick, but also that he falls asleep on me.

The first black eye at our house!

And this is a rarity, because you'll only do it a few times in your life.  But I got to take another kid to Great to be Eight!  Looks like we have a baptism coming up.

Raygon

I met Raygon in 2001 when we were both working at Anasazi.  We were friends, but not close.  I always looked up to her for her optimistic attitude and fun loving spirit.  Once she invited me to get a pedicure with her.  I felt like such a dork!  She was much cooler and I was just the shrimpy secretary. But, it was fun!  Another time she gave me a bottle of Victoria's Secret Love Spell lotion.  The scent was new and the everyone was wearing it.  I felt so awesome to own my own bottle!  Another time I spent a weekend night with her and another co-worker, Chad, filling baggies of powdered cheese and stuff for the young walkers at work.  We watched Rat Race while we packed for hours.

Eventually, Raygon left Anasazi.  I'd never have the guts to tell her then, but it was such a sad day for me.  I always loved her peppy voice and the good light she brought into work everyday.  Work just wasn't the same without her.  Time passed and we went out separate ways.  I remember running into her at the mall once when she was pregnant with Kaleb and I was just about to have Addie.  We chatted for a few minutes and once again, went out separate ways.

Somehow through the world of blogging, we found each in 2007 or so.  She had moved to Idaho and I was able to get small glimpses into the life of a gal I had always admired.  Eventually, we started emailing about this and that and our friendship started to progress.  One day I had a nasty experience that was quite embarrassing and I had no one to tell.  I decided I had nothing to lose by telling Raygon so I dumped it all on her.  She replied with such nice words and put things into perspective for me.

Over time, we would reach out to each other for recipes, tips or advice and (at least in my opinion) became close friends.  She is like a sister, in that I know I can tell her what's really on my mind and she will never pass judgment and always be honest with her opinion in return.  It's been a fun transformation of friendship.  Now we send (almost) daily texts and keep a good connection.

After years of saying I would come for a visit, I finally had the chance!  The price of tickets was cheap and for once in my life, the stars were aligned so I could leave my kids for the weekend.

Colton was my travel buddy.

I finally got to meet the Hymas kids!  

We celebrated Halloween

(I sent this picture to Jared back in AZ and got busted!  He said this was too girly of a costume.  Oops!)

I even got to spend some time with Judd and Caitlin who are living there.  Although these pictures don't prove that.  Judd was just the man behind the camera, that's all.

One thing I love about being in other people's homes is watching the family function.  It's always interesting to see how they tick.  I learned a lot from Raygon and her family and I've tried to incorporate some of that into my family life.

One thing I am not good at, but Raygon is, is accepting help.  During my first night there, she was buzzing around working so I offered to mop her floor.  She said sure!  I never accept help that easily but saw that it really is nice and makes life so much easier.  I needed that lesson!

She also didn't stress about keeping her home totally tidy for company.  Of course, I wasn't expecting a clean house, or even a picked up house.  A family lives there!  And I totally loved that she knew that!  I usually stress and freak out when company comes.  It was so nice to see a mom just go with it.  Her house was so warm and welcoming.  And clean!

I'm not good at keeping my kids artwork.  I usually throw it out shortly after they walk away from the table.  It generally results in tears when they come looking for it the next day.  Raygon had the best resolution to my problem.  And easy one that I can't believe I didn't think of sooner: display that artwork around the house!  Hello!  Our laundry room door is now the designated art display.

I hope everyone finds a friend like Raygon.